Sophie Devine to relinquish New Zealand women’s T20I captaincy after T20 World Cup 2024

New Zealand women's cricket team player Sophie Devine will relinquish the T20I captaincy after the conclusion of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United Arab Emirates in October. However, Sophie Devine will continue as captain of the ODI team and feature as a player in the T20I side.

Devine captained New Zealand in 56 T20I matches with 25 wins, 28 losses, and 1 tie. The 34-year-old first led the national cricket team in 2014-15 before taking over the permanent captaincy from Amy Satterthwaite in 2020. Devine will continue to play a crucial role in the New Zealand team.

I've Enjoyed Taking On - Sophie Devine

Sophie Devine said that she has decided to step down as T20 captain to better manage her workload. She expressed pride in leading the WHITE FERNS in both formats. Devine hopes to focus more on her playing role and help develop future leaders within the team.

“I’m very proud to have had the privilege to captain the WHITE FERNS in both formats,” said Devine in a statement released by New Zealand Cricket.

“With captaincy comes an additional workload that, while I’ve enjoyed taking on, can also be challenging at times."

“Stepping away from the T20 captaincy will take a bit off my plate so I can focus more of my energy on my playing role and nurturing the future leaders,” she added.

Devine made her T20I debut for New Zealand in 2006. She has scored 3,268 runs in 135 T20Is at an average of 28.66, including one century and 20 fifties. She is the second-highest run-scorer for the New Zealand women's team in T20Is, behind Suzie Bates, who has scored 4,348 runs in 162 T20Is.

Not Ready To Give Up ODI Captaincy - Sophie Devine

Sophie Devine clarified that she will continue as ODI captain and remain active in both white-ball formats for New Zealand. She said that stepping down as T20I captain will allow new leaders to emerge for New Zealand.

"I'm not ready to give up ODI captaincy just yet. But I won't be around forever, so I think stepping away from captaining one format at a time gives the next leaders time to find their feet," said Devine.

Sophie Devine Has Led New Zealand In Last Two T20 World Cups

Devine is currently resting to recover from a foot injury. The Women's T20 World Cup in October will be her last assignment as T20I captain. New Zealand is placed in Group A alongside Australia, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. They will begin their campaign against India on October 4 in Dubai.

Devine has captained New Zealand in the last two T20 World Cups. The New Zealand women's team was eliminated in the group stages in the 2020 and 2023 editions of the T20 World Cup. The selectors are likely to announce the squad for the upcoming tournament on Tuesday, September 10.

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